Philippians 1:1
"Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi with the overseers and deacons."
Philippians begins with a lot of weight.
Written by? We often give Paul credit for the book. Philippians 1:1 gives both Paul and Timothy credit. So what part does the young intern play in the book?
Written to? The church at Philippi? 1:1 says it is written to the saints with the overseers (often translated elders or bishops, the Greek word is trans-literated as Episkopos, where we get the word Episcopals) and deacons. Is it written to the entire body of believers? Is there a church title, "saint"? The book is not written to those struggling outside of salvation - it is written to encourage the believer, maybe even specifically the leaders.
The name Christ Jesus is used twice in this introduction. This is a connection point between writer and reader. Paul and Timothy are saying that there is a bond that goes beyond words between them and the church. Both are "in" Christ Jesus.
Finally: Why do they call themselves slaves (or bond-servants)? This is another way to connect to the readers. It also connects them to God in a different way. In Acts 16, we see that some of Paul's early converts in Philippi were prisoners and soldiers. These people might still be in Philippi. And who would understand better what it means to be under a Master than one who has been in chains.
Slaves of Christ Jesus.
Philippians begins with a lot of weight.
Written by? We often give Paul credit for the book. Philippians 1:1 gives both Paul and Timothy credit. So what part does the young intern play in the book?
Written to? The church at Philippi? 1:1 says it is written to the saints with the overseers (often translated elders or bishops, the Greek word is trans-literated as Episkopos, where we get the word Episcopals) and deacons. Is it written to the entire body of believers? Is there a church title, "saint"? The book is not written to those struggling outside of salvation - it is written to encourage the believer, maybe even specifically the leaders.
The name Christ Jesus is used twice in this introduction. This is a connection point between writer and reader. Paul and Timothy are saying that there is a bond that goes beyond words between them and the church. Both are "in" Christ Jesus.
Finally: Why do they call themselves slaves (or bond-servants)? This is another way to connect to the readers. It also connects them to God in a different way. In Acts 16, we see that some of Paul's early converts in Philippi were prisoners and soldiers. These people might still be in Philippi. And who would understand better what it means to be under a Master than one who has been in chains.
Slaves of Christ Jesus.
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